Hopes And Dreams Of A Singaporean Father

Today, on the 16th of December,my dear daughter turns two.As I watch little Aisyah playing around, I could not stop thinking that time will fly very fast and very soon she will start schooling.It is the aspiration of every father in Singapore to see to it that their child has the best of everything.To be in the best childcare centre,then playgroup sessions,after which comes kindergarten.Next, to be enrolled in the best primary school that the neighbourhood has to offer.Not that difficult to identify nowadays as schools are aggresively marketing themselves.It is also every father's hope in Singapore (me included)to see their child being selected for the GEP programme(http://www.moe.gov.sg/gifted/index.htm) thus ending their primary school stint by doing very well in the PSLE.After which everyone in Singapore already knows the path to be taken.Going to the Raffles line of schools,obtaining a prestigious scholarship to read at an Ivy League university of choice,and finally graduating with a Phi Beta Kappa.Some of you may accuse me of having unrealistic expectations and putting unnecessary burden on the kid.Do not get me wrong as I would be equally proud if my kid graduated from the 'Thinking Hands' school and be a useful member of society.In all probability these dreams would not come true but as a father I shall carry on my duty to be a guardian, mentor,supporter and most importantly a friend to enable my child to discover her truest potential.Happy Birthday Aisyah!May all your wishes come true.